12.11.2009

A Single (Hot) Man

a I'm a Sucker for Tom Ford, Colin, Julianne and a Romantic Movie -Gay, No Mind.

“A Single Man,” described as a quieter, more luscious “Brokeback Mountain".Production designer for A Single Man is non other than Mad Mens PD for the last three seasons, also set in the mid-60's.

Professor George Falconer (Firth) spends a day in 1962 Los Angeles figuring out if and why life is worth living. George learns early on in the movie that his partner of 16 years, Jim (Matthew Goode) has died in a car accident. Unable to imagine a future without Jim, George makes detailed arrangements to end his own life--from emptying his safety deposit box to laying out the cuff links in which he wishes to be buried.

The story of an isolated man filled with pain and self-loathing allows Ford to surround his lead character in a constant explosion of sound and colour. At times the film resembles a music or art video with beautiful shots of figures swimming and close-ups of the actors' stunning features dominating the screen for long stretches. -Richard James/inthenews.co.uk

A Single Man is being called the rebirth of Colin Firth - what critics agree is a striking performance by the British actor.

The news of Jim's death arrives over a phone call from someone Ford all but admitted was voiced by Jon Hamm in a winking nod to his 1960s alter ego, Don Draper.

Gin drinking, one-time flame, and oldest friend Charley ( Julianne Moore), is a 48 year old beauty who is wrestling with her own questions about the future.

Tom Ford speaks about how women will relate to JulianneMoore’s role in the film

“This is something that women can relate to. No one ever talks about female mid-life crisis in our culture. Women today (our film is based in the early ’60s), a beautiful woman is one of the most powerful things. They learn to move through society by the way we objectify them…and then…all of sudden… at a certain age…it’s just pulled from under them. And what do they do? They’ve played the game and they’ve done everything that our culture tells them that they’re supposed to do.”

Ford is more optimistic audiences will embrace his Hollywood love story, even though some of his friends still get stuck on the gay in his personal romance.

"The set designs and character's clothing are as stunning as you'd imagine from the man who revived Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent", states inthenews.uk.com movie reviewer Richard James. "If there is to be any criticism of A Single Man it's that at times Ford becomes a little too focused on all that is beautiful, playing it in slow motion with repetitive strings playing in the background."

"However, Ford arrives at a beautifully tragic ending and any frustration at the film's pace is soon forgotten, unlike the film's score which is truly haunting and will stay with you for days after", says James.

Colin Firth is superb as George, the gay English professor failing to get over the death of his boyfriend Jim (Matthew Goode). He exudes loneliness and the simplest of facial flickers or downward casting of his eyes displays a thousand emotions.

Firth attributed his new found interest in the gym to the image-conscious exhortations of Tom Ford. "He told me I looked good, but I'd look better if I had a personal trainer," Mr. Firth explained.Perhaps the conversation went a bit differently. "I told him he was fat," Mr. Ford recalled later.

"Everyone Knew he could put together a glossy package, but a Single Man showed the world that Tom Ford had a soul, and wasn't afraid to bare it" -V Magazine

In 2006 Ford purchased the rights to Christopher Isherwood's 1964 novel A Single Man. He started splicing in vignettes from his own life with longtime partner Richard Buckley. One flashback scene of quotidian bliss shows George and Jim lying on the sofa reading books (Metamorphosis and Breakfast at Tiffany's, respectively) and arguing over who will get up to change the record and who will walk the dogs.

"To this day, occasionally I'll have a friend who will say something about my 'lifestyle,'" he said. "My lifestyle? I live with somebody I love. We've been together 23 years. We make dinner, we have arguments, he has to walk the dog, we go on vacation. It was important to depict that. "Love is love."

So, is Tom Ford a new Hollywood golden boy?" writes Borys Musielak of filmmaster.com. "It's certainly quite an achievement to simply step into the film business as the screenwriter, director and producer at the same time and create a thoughtful and engaging movie that is being talked about. We're yet to see if it is going to attract wider audience, but my wild guess is that it will be a success".

Now I am going to be shallow -

Of course this is one of my fab 50's gal-pals, Lady Madona, at the N.Y. Premier of 'The Single Man'. Is it part of my holiday delusion, or is Ms. M looking Debbie Harry'ish? I mean, I'm not sporting a line-free, puff free face either; just thought I'd throw that out there for a Friday debate.

Well you've totally sold me - I now need to see this movie, pronto. Fabulous post, as usual. Yours is one of my all-time favorite blogs, missy. Hope you have a wonderful weekend and are really getting into the holiday spirit. Go buy yourself a bottle of prosecco at the liquor store, and drink it, for me, please. I miss it.

Thank you for this fabulous review - it's on my must-see list for summer. You're right about Madonna - I thought it was Debra Harry and had to look a second time when I read who it was. Enjoy your weekend. Leigh

Brilliant review Deb....cetainly makes me want to see the film.I will await for it to a town near me !! I love all of the actors in it...... as for Madonna, ....getting a bit too big for her boots.... and I agree with Pamela, too much pumping up of the cheeks !!Lots of love Deb, XXXX

This film looks fabulous -- I adore Colin Firth (and Tom Ford and Julianne Moore come to think of it...) and I can't wait to see him in this movie. Hopefully it'll be the start of pulling him out of playing the dad in cheesy preteen movies and back into leading male roles (where he belongs!).

And Madge has definitely had some fillers/collagen...she looks so puffy!

Hey DebWell I'm always up for a movie that is treat to the eyes and this one looks stunning from the tidbits you have shown us. A good story and fabulous actors is the icing on the cake. How gorgeous does Julianne Moore look in this movie? [channeling Faye Dunaway?]

Now... Ms M. I agree on all counts. Very Debbie Harry'ish and the first thing that struck me on seeing this, was she finally seems to be aging like the rest of us.

Well probably will have to wait eons to see the movie here but looks like it will be worth the wait.

Have a great week Deb.. soon I will be back to the land of the living and keeping up with all of you.. xxx Julie

i had no idea that Tom Ford went into producing...such multi talent. Juliana moore is one of my favorite actress, not only is she beautiful even by Hollywood standard, but she also seems real, not afraid of her years... Thank you for bringing this movie, I cannot wait to see it...and thank you for your kind words...

i have to admit i did not READ this post but i did look at the pics. i am dying to see this movie and i don't want to know anything about it. i am crazy that way. but i will report back when i do see it.colin firth's rebirth of girth.

The photos and descriptions of this flick sure do make it sound WONDERFUL!

I'm a bit frustrated that I couldn't play the trailer, but that's probably not your fault.I really DIG the '60s, and Julianne looks terrific! I don't think I've ever seen Colin Firth in anything before, so I don't really have an opinion on him. That was pretty HARSH how Tom Ford told Colin he was fat! I guess that's just Hollywood for ya... At least, Mr. Firth seems to be a good sport about it.

Regarding your bit of shallowness, yes, Madonna is looking MAJORLY puffy! In fact, I don't think I've seen anyone looking quite like THAT since the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man in 'Ghostbusters'. ;)

Julianne Moore looks great, that's the way to age. And for Madonna, one way or another it's (age) gonna get 'cha, get 'cha, get 'cha, get 'cha... Collagen filled puffy face or wrinkles, is one really better than the other.

Had to log on and comment; Tom Ford is giving an interview on Fresh Air on NPR and it's striking how much thought he put into this film. He is walking through the throught process for his character development, the questions he's asking himself, and the details he's making for each. I'm absolutely surprised and regret assuming he was just 'some fashion designer.'

Love your post! As usual.Never went through a mid-life crisis but know women who did. Don't you think Julianne looks great? (I think women with freckles age better.)Now I know you love Colin. I have only seen him in a couple movies and really have no opinion- I'm kind of neutral about him. I would not have recognized him in glasses though. Guess I'll have to see this movie!

Hi Deb!! I can't wait to see this movie I have read so many great things about it, yours being my favorite. I love J. Moore, wow she is stunning. As for Madonna, I love her, but what the heck is up with her face??? Way too much filler.Have a lovely eveningxoxo

I can't wait to see this... love Tom Ford and Mr. Firth. In fact, I almost didn't recognize Colin in some of these shots... amazing! Ford's quote on women's mid-life crisis is so accurate... it will be interesting to see Julianne in this as well....

Julianne has never looked more beautiful. Thank you telling us about The Single Man ... I never knew ! Madonna is most definitely looking "filled". Still love her tho ! Hope you are feeling better Miss Fabulous. xoxo lisa

This movie looks amazing. I heard a story about it on NPR, and was instantly smitten. Unfortunately, my city (while mid-sized) is stupidly conservative when it comes to movie selection, so it probably won't play here until it is nominated for some oscars.

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